The Truth About Gold Jewelry

Gold jewelry is wearer-friendly and beautiful as it doesn't react with other elements to create tarnish. When buying gold jewelry it pays to know some facts about gold pricing. The price of gold jewelry depends upon the karat weight of the jewelry. Gold jewelry is generally marked 10K, 14K, or 18K and so on. The higher the Karat (k) the higher the percentage of pure gold to other metals in the jewelry. 24K gold is pure gold. If you are allergic to nickel or other metals then you should aim to buy the higher karat gold jewelry such as 18k or 22k gold. Genuine gold jewelry should have, in addition to the karat marking, a hallmark or trademark that identifies its maker.

Another major part of the cost for a piece of gold jewelry is the cost for labor, especially for pieces set with precious stones. Gold can be worked into nearly any shape, from tiny strands that do not break easily to very thin sheets.

In the past, gold may have stayed at around $500 per ounce for many months at a time, giving online jewelers ample time to go into their websites and change their prices. Now, with weekly and sometimes dramatic daily changes in the price of gold, it may be more difficult for online jewelers to change their prices fast enough to meet customer demand.

For those who have budgetary constraints, you may want to consider gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry. Gold-filled, gold overlay and rolled gold plate are terms used to describe jewelry that has a layer of at least 10 karat gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. Another good alternative is gold jewelry with cubic zirconia stones. Over the years, the quality of cubic zirconia has improved greatly, now it is virtually impossible for the untrained eye to distinguish the difference between these synthetic stones and diamonds which is comparable to diamonds in its hardness and sparkle. Gold jewelry with cubic zirconia comes in a variety of fashionable colors and refraction levels.

Online jewelry stores still remain the most cost effective form of gold jewelry buying, especially now that gold prices have soared and are expected to soar.

Caring For Your Gold Jewelry

Gold filled or plated jewelry is suitable for jewelry that you wear occasionally. Everyday use would eventually diminish the gold layer, exposing the metal below, which might stain your skin or cause an allergic reaction.

Gold plated and gold-filled jewelry is great for fashion jewelry but should not be subjected to heavy usage. Try not to wear your gold plated or gold filled jewelry when washing up or using any form of detergents. Remove all gold jewelry before showering or cleaning. Soap can cause a film to form on karat gold jewelry, making it appear dull and dingy. When storing your gold jewelry Keep them in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers.

See your jeweler at least once a year to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear. Visit your jeweler every six months to have your gold jewelry professionally cleaned.

Thanks to Peter Johnson for this article on Gold Jewelry.